Governor Of Southwest Papua Clarifies Nickel Mining Issues On Gag Island

Governor Of Southwest Papua, Elisa Kambu (ANTARA)

The Governor of Southwest Papua, Elisa Kambu, said that information circulating in the public regarding mining activities on Gag Island, Raja Ampat, did not reflect the actual condition. He emphasized the importance of directly reviewing the location to get an objective picture.

This statement was conveyed by Elisa during a direct review of the nickel mining site operated by PT Gag Nickel, together with the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia and the Regent of Raja Ampat Abdul Faris Umlati, on Friday, June 7, 2025.

"We make sure maybe the video is not from Gag, not from Piaynemo, maybe from another place. Where did they take it, we also don't know. But for sure, not from mining on Gag Island," said Elisa, quoted Monday, June 9.

He added that the people around the mine actually showed support so that mining activities would continue because they were considered to provide benefits for them, either directly or indirectly.

When we got there, local people were small, big, women, old, young. They asked the Minister not to close this mine. If we the government must follow the wishes of the people, and we are here for the welfare of the community, why should we make it difficult for the people? " said Elisa.

In line with the Governor, Raja Ampat Regent Abdul Faris Umlati also said that conditions on the ground were different from those displayed on social media. He emphasized that the community did not want mining activities to be stopped.

"They don't want the mine to be closed because it supports their lives. They want that, and we hope that there will be a Minister, so that this mine can be reopened," said Abdul.

However, Abdul emphasized the importance of increasing supervision, especially regarding environmental impact analysis (Amdal), so that mining management runs better in the future.

"Let's take care of Raja Ampat. We must provide a positive image so that tourists do not decrease. We must protect this tourist area so that it is not polluted," he said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia stated that visits to Gag Island were carried out to hear directly the aspirations of the public and review the current conditions after reporting on social media.

"I took the time with the Governor and the Regent of Raja Ampat to visit Gag Island by helicopter. This is in response to the development of the news. We appreciate all the news, and we show the form of appreciation by direct checking in order to obtain an objective picture," said Bahlil.

Previously it was reported that the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources had decided to temporarily suspend the operational activities of PT Gag Nickel on Gag Island, Raja Ampat Regency. The decision was taken as a follow-up to public reports regarding the alleged environmental impact on tourist areas.

PT Gag Nickel is the holder of Generation VII Work Contract No. B53/Pres/I/1998, which was signed by the President of the Republic of Indonesia on January 19, 1998. Since 2008, all shares of the company have been controlled by PT ANTAM Tbk. after acquiring shares of APN Pty. Ltd.